Zircon U–Pb geochronology and Hf isotopic constraints on the petrogenesis of Early Triassic granites in the Wulonggou area of the Eastern Kunlun Orogen,Northwest China

Widespread granitic intrusions in the northeast part of the Wulonggou area were previously thought to be emplaced into the Palaeoproterozoic Jinshuikou Group during the Neoproterozoic. This contribution presents detailed LA-ICP-MS zircon U–Pb geochronology, major and trace element geochemistry, and zircon Hf isotope systematic on the Wulonggou Granodiorite and Xiaoyakou Granite from the Wulonggou area. Three granodiorite samples yielded U–Pb zircon ages of 247 ± 2, 248 ± 1, and 249 ± 1 Ma, and one granite sample yielded U–Pb zircon age of 246 ± 3 Ma. The granodiorite samples are metaluminous with an alumina saturation index of 0.90–0.96, as well as intermediate- to high-alkali contents of 5.49–6.14 wt.%, and low Zr+Nb+Ce+Y contents, and low Fe₂O_3T/MgO ratios, which suggest an I-type classical island arc magmatic source. The granite samples are peraluminous with an alumina saturation index of 1.02–1.03, Sr content of 305.00–374.00 ppm, Sr/Y ratios of between 17.68 and 28.77, (La/Yb)_N values of 16.98–25.07, low HREEs (Yb = 1.10–2.00 ppm), and low Y (13.00–21.10 ppm), which suggest adakite-like rocks. All granodiorite samples have zircons ε_Hf(t) values ranging from ?2.9 to +3.9, and granite samples have zircon ε_Hf(t) values ranging from ?7.8 to +3.2. These Hf isotopic data suggest that the Early Triassic granites were derived from the partial melting of a mafic Mesoproterozoic lower crust, although the degree of ancient crustal assimilation may be higher for the Xiaoyakou Granite. It is suggested here that the ca. 246–248 Ma magma was generated during the northward subduction of the Palaeo-Tethys oceanic plate.     

Early Cretaceous K-rich rhyolites from the Duolong Cu–Au deposit,southern Qiangtang,China: evidence for crustal growth

We report new zircon U–Pb age, Hf isotopic, and major and trace element data for rhyolites from the Duolong Ore Concentration Area of the Southern Qiangtang Terrane. Building on previous studies, we constrain the tectonic setting and propose a model to explain the geodynamics and crustal growth during regional magmatism in the Early Cretaceous. The analysed rhyolites yield laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS) zircon U–Pb ages of 115 and 118 Ma. The rocks are K-rich (K₂O = 6.66–9.93 wt.%; K₂O/Na₂O = 8.2–19.7 wt.%), alkaline and peraluminous (A/CNK = 1.02–1.46), and are characterized by high SiO₂ contents (72.8–78.8 wt.%) similar to highly fractionated I-type granites. Fractionation of Fe–Ti oxides, plagioclase, hornblende, Ti-bearing phases, apatite, monazite, allanite and zircon contributed to the variations in major and trace element chemistry. High K₂O contents are likely due to partial melting of the continental crust. The samples have positive zircon εHf(t) values ranging from +7.1 to +11.2. These features, together with young zircon Hf crustal model ages of 489–721 Ma, indicate that the K-rich rhyolites were derived from juvenile lower crust with an input of a mantle-derived component. We suggest that the Early Cretaceous K-rich rhyolites formed in a continental arc setting during northward subduction of Bangong Co–Nujiang oceanic lithosphere. Basaltic magma underplating was responsible for vertical crustal growth, triggered by slab roll-back in the Duolong Ore Concentration Area in the Early Cretaceous.     

西藏打加错晚三叠世安山质岩浆作用的锆石U-Pb年代学和Hf同位素

青藏高原南部拉萨地体晚三叠世-早侏罗世时期岩浆活动的地球动力学背景仍是尚待解决的一个重要科学问题。本文报道了南部拉萨地体西部打加错地区新发现的安山玢岩的锆石U-Pb年代学、Hf同位素和全岩地球化学数据。打加错安山玢岩主要由蚀变细粒斜长石、辉石和角闪石组成。2件样品的LA-ICP-MS锆石U-Pb定年结果分别为204±4Ma和203±2Ma,表明打加错地区在晚三叠世发生了安山质岩浆活动。结合近期报道的打加错地区辉石角闪二长闪长岩的年龄(207.3±3.6Ma)记录,表明南部拉萨地体西部打加错地区发生了晚三叠世岩浆活动。2件安山玢岩的锆石εHf(t)值多为正值(分别为-2.2~+8.8和-2.0~+10.7),可比于南部拉萨地体中东部其它地区同期岩浆记录的Hf同位素成分(如:工布江达南部203Ma正长花岗岩的锆石εHf(t)为-4.9~+2.7;日喀则东部约205Ma二长花岗岩的锆石εHf(t)为+11.9~+15.8),这表明南部拉萨地体晚三叠世岩浆活动从东工布江达向西延伸到打加错一带,东西延伸约800km。打加错地区2件安山玢岩样品(SiO2=56.1%~59.0%)以较低Mg#(45.8~48.7)和Al2O3含量(16.4%~17.0%)为特征,属于偏铝质钾玄质-高钾钙碱性火山岩。本文获得的新数据,结合最近报道的早侏罗世桑日群岩浆活动记录以及打加错地区上三叠统地层研究新进展,本文更赞成打加错地区和南部拉萨地体其它地区的晚三叠世岩浆活动形成于与班公湖-怒江洋壳南向俯冲有关的弧后环境。     

Zircon U–Pb and Hf evidence for coupled subduction of oceanic and continental crust during the Carboniferous in the Huwan shear zone,western Dabie orogen,central China

Both oceanic and continental HP rocks are juxtaposed in the Huwan shear zone in the western Dabie orogen, and thus provide a window for testing the buoyancy‐driven exhumation of dense oceanic HP rocks. The HP metamorphic age of the continental rocks in this zone has not been well constrained, and hence it is not known if they are of the same age as the exhumation of the HP oceanic rocks. In situ laser ablation (multiple collector) inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA‐(MC‐)ICP‐MS), U–Pb, trace element and Hf isotope analyses were made on zircon in a granitic gneiss and two eclogites from the Huwan shear zone. U–Pb age and trace element analysis of residual magmatic zircon in an eclogite constrain its protolith formation at 411 ± 4 Ma. The zircon in this sample displays ε_Hf (t) values of +6.1 to +14.4. The positive ε_Hf (t) values up to +14.4 suggest that the protolith was derived from a relatively depleted mantle source, most likely Palaeotethyan oceanic crust. A granitic gneiss and the other eclogite yield protolith U–Pb ages of 738 ± 6 and 700 ± 14 Ma, respectively, which are both the Neoproterozoic basement rocks of the Yangtze Block. The zircon in the granitic gneiss has low ε_Hf (t) values of ?14.2 to ?10.5 and old T_DM2 ages of 2528–2298 Ma, suggesting reworking of Palaeoproterozoic crust during the Neoproterozoic. The zircon in the eclogite has ε_Hf (t) values of ?1.0 to +7.4 and T_DM1 ages of 1294–966 Ma, implying prompt reworking of juvenile crust during its protolith formation. Metamorphic zircon in both eclogite samples displays low Th/U ratios, trace element concentrations, relatively flat heavy rare earth element patterns, weak negative Eu anomalies and low ¹⁷⁶Lu/¹⁷⁷Hf ratios. All these features suggest that the metamorphic zircon formed in the presence of garnet but in the absence of feldspar, and thus under eclogite facies conditions. The metamorphic zircon yields U–Pb ages of 310 ± 3 and 306 ± 7 Ma. Therefore, both the oceanic‐ and continental‐type eclogites share the same episode of Carboniferous eclogite facies metamorphism. This suggests that high‐pressure continental‐type metamorphic rocks might have played a key role in the exhumation and preservation of oceanic‐type eclogites through buoyancy‐driven uplift.     

Zircon ages and Hf isotopic compositions of plutonic rocks from the Central Tianshan (Xinjiang,northwest China) and their significance for early to mid-Palaeozoic crustal evolution

We present new zircon ages and Hf-in-zircon isotopic data for plutonic rocks and review the crustal evolution of the Chinese Central Tianshan (Xinjiang, northwest China) in the early to mid-Palaeozoic. The Early Ordovician (ca. 475–473 Ma) granitoid rocks have zircon ε_Hf(t) values either positive (+0.3 to +9.5) or negative (?6.0 to ?12.9). This suggests significant addition of juvenile material to, and coeval crustal reworking of, the pre-existing continental crust that is fingerprinted by numerous Precambrian zircon xenocrysts. The Late Ordovician–Silurian (ca. 458–425 Ma) rocks can be assigned to two sub-episodes of magmatism: zircon from rocks of an earlier event (ca. 458–442 Ma) has negative zircon ε_Hf(t) values (?6.3 to ?13.1), indicating a predominantly crustal source; zircon from later events (ca. 434–425 Ma) has positive zircon ε_Hf(t) values (+2.6 to +8.9) that reveal a predominantly juvenile magma source. The Early Devonian (ca. 410–404 Ma) rocks have near-zero zircon ε_Hf(t) values, either slightly negative or positive (?1.4 to +3.5), whereas the Mid-Devonian rocks (ca. 393 Ma) have negative values (?11.2 to ?14.8). The Late Devonian (ca. 368–361 Ma) granites are undeformed and are chemically similar to adakite but have relatively low negative whole-rock ε_Nd(t)values (?2.4 to ?5.3). We interpret the Early Ordovician to Mid-Devonian magmatic event to reflect combined juvenile crustal growth and crustal reworking processes via episodic mafic underplating and mantle–crust interaction. The Late Devonian episode may signify delamination of the over-thickened Chinese Central Tianshan crust.     

Experimental determination of the spinel peridotite to garnet peridotite inversion at 900° C and 1,000° C in the system CaO-MgO-Al2O3-SiO2, and at 900° C with natural garnet and olivine

Hydrothermal experiments were carried out at 2 kbar water pressure, 700 °–800 ° C, with the objective of determining the level of dissolved Zr required for precipitation of zircon from melts in the system SiO₂-Al₂O₃-Na₂O-K₂O. The saturation level depends strongly upon molar (Na₂O + K₂O)/Al₂O₃ of the melts, with remarkably little sensitivity to temperature, SiO₂ concentration, or melt Na₂O/ K₂O. For peraluminous melts and melts lying in the quartz-orthoclase-albite composition plane, less than 100 ppm Zr is required for zircon saturation. In peralkaline melts, however, zircon solubility shows pronounced, apparently linear, dependence upon (Na₂O + K₂O)/Al₂O₃, with the amount of dissolvable Zr ranging up to 3.9 wt.% at (Na₂O + K₂O)/Al₂O₃ = 2.0. Small amounts (1 wt.% each) of dissolved CaO and Fe₂O₃ cause a 25% relative reduction of zircon solubility in peralkaline melts.The main conclusion regarding zirconium/zircon behavior in nature is that any felsic, non-peralkaline magma is likely to contain zircon crystals, because the saturation level is so low for these compositions. Zircon fractionation, and its consequences to REE, Th, and Ta abundances must, therefore, be considered in modelling the evolution of these magmas. Partial melting in any region of the Earth's crust that contains more than 100 ppm Zr will produce granitic magmas whose Zr contents are buffered at constant low (< 100 ppm) values; unmelted zircon in the residual rock of such a melting event will impart to the residue a characteristic U- or V-shaped REE abundance pattern. In peralkaline, felsic magmas such as those that form pantellerites and comendites, extreme Zr (and REE, Ta) enrichment is possible because the feldspar fractionation that produces these magmas from non-peralkaline predecessors does not drive the melt toward saturation in zircon.Zircon solubility in felsic melts appears to be controlled by the formation of alkali-zirconosilicate complexes of simple (2:1) alkali oxide: ZrO₂ stoichiometry.     

深熔过程中熔体成分与锆石行为模拟计算

发生深熔作用是高级变质作用的一个重要特征。深熔过程中产生的熔体可为淡色花岗岩提供潜在的源区;深熔过程中锆石的行为直接影响对变质锆石记年地质意义的理解。在含Zr体系下的相平衡模拟显示泥质成分深熔过程中产生熔体的成分在P-T空间中规律变化。温度升高时熔体Zr/Si值、Zr、FeO、MgO以及CaO等含量明显增加,压力较高时K2O含量也随温度升高而明显增加。Na2O含量随温度升高而降低,但随压力升高而增加。压力升高时Al/Si值显著升高。温度较高时Na/(Na+K)等值线较陡,减压熔融过程不会显著改变熔体Na/(Na+K)值,而升温减压过程以及近等压升温过程都会明显降低熔体Na/(Na+K)值。中压时随温度升高熔体Fe/(Fe+Mg)值缓慢升高,而石榴石的生长发育会迅速降低熔体Fe/(Fe+Mg)值。不同温压条件下对应的固相线熔融、白云母脱水熔融以及黑云母脱水熔融形成的熔体成分具有明显差异。对比模拟熔体成分在P-T空间的演化,喜马拉雅地区电气石淡色花岗岩对应熔体的形成温压条件应低于二云母淡色花岗岩,同类型淡色花岗岩之间在形成条件上也可能存在一定差异,并经历了差异性演化过程。含Zr体系下的相平衡关系显示进变过程是消耗锆石的过程,因而在进变过程中变质锆石难以生长,发生深熔作用的岩石中的变质锆石主要在退变过程中形成并记录退变质年龄。熔体丢失相关模拟显示不同温度阶段发生熔体丢失对锆石稳定性的影响不同。温度较低时Zr含量较少的熔体丢失会扩大持续进变过程中锆石的稳定范围,而温度较高时富Zr熔体的丢失会降低持续进变过程中锆石的稳定温度。类似于分离熔融作用的过程最利于残留相中剩余锆石在持续进变过程中的保存。     

Early Cretaceous volcanic and sub-volcanic rocks in the Erlian Basin and adjacent areas,Northeast China: new geochemistry,geochronology and zircon Hf isotope constraints on petrogenesis and tectonic setting

ABSTRACT

Early Cretaceous volcanic rocks are widely distributed in northeast China and being extensively observed recently. However, petrogenesis and tectonic setting of these volcanic rocks are still on debate. We present zircon U–Pb ages, whole-rock geochemistry and zircon Hf isotope for these volcanic and sub-volcanic rocks surrounding the Erlian Basin including basic-intermediate volcanic rocks, intermediate-felsic volcanic rocks, and dacites and trachyandesite from dikes. The zircon U–Pb dating results indicate that these rocks formed in the Early Cretaceous (146–129 Ma). The basic-intermediate volcanic rocks mainly consist of basaltic andesite, which are featured by low SiO₂ concentrations (49.96–58.34 wt. %), high Mg^# values (54–37) and Co contents (17.85–25.98 ppm), and positive ε_Hf(t) values (+7.11 to +13.87). Moreover, they show high La/Nb (1.79–2.87) and low La/Ba (0.02–0.08) ratios. Such features indicate that they were derived from partial melting of lithospheric mantle that had been modified by fluids. The intermediate-felsic volcanic rocks consist of trachydacite and andesite, which show medium SiO₂ concentrations (58.31–66.44 wt. %), a wide range of Mg^# values (28–53) and with A₁-type granites affinities. These features, along with slightly positive to negative ε_Hf(t) values (+0.53 to ?17.71), indicate that they originated from mixed magma of melted lower crust and mantle substances. Dacites from dikes are distinguished by high SiO₂ concentrations (65.72–67.2 wt. %), negative ε_Hf(t) values (?2.55 to ?6.72) and old zircon Hf T_DM2 ages (1453–1653 Ma), suggesting they were generated by melting of Mesoproterozoic and Palaeoproterozoic crustal material. All of the investigated volcanic and sub-volcanic rocks exhibit geochemical signatures of extension setting. In combination with previous studies, we suggest the Early Cretaceous extension in northeast China is related to the collapse of thickened lithosphere after closure of the Mongol–Okhotsk Ocean and to the slab break off of the Mudanjiang Ocean.     

Petrogenesis of the Carboniferous Intrusive Rock in the Xiaobaishitou District of East Tianshan, Northwest China: Magma Evolution and Tectonic Significance

The Xiaobaishitou gabbro-diorite pluton comprises a medium-grained gabbro-diorite suite and a fine-grained diorite suite, which intrude the Kawabulag Group in the East Tianshan Orogen of the Central Asian Orogenic Belt(CAOB). A combination of mineral chemistry, zircon U-Pb age, whole-rock geochemistry, Sr-Nd isotopes, and in situ zircon Hf isotopes for newly found gabbro-diorite from the Xiaobaishitou district in the Central Tianshan Terrane(CTT) is presented to investigate the petrogenesis and ...     

New thermodynamic models and revised calibrations for the Ti-in-zircon and Zr-in-rutile thermometers

The models recognize that ZrSiO₄, ZrTiO₄, and TiSiO₄, but not ZrO₂ or TiO₂, are independently variable phase components in zircon. Accordingly, the equilibrium controlling the Zr content of rutile coexisting with zircon is ZrSiO₄ = ZrO₂ (in rutile) + SiO₂. The equilibrium controlling the Ti content of zircon is either ZrSiO₄ + TiO₂ = ZrTiO₄ + SiO₂ or TiO₂ + SiO₂ = TiSiO₄, depending whether Ti substitutes for Si or Zr. The Zr content of rutile thus depends on the activity of SiO₂ as well as T, and the Ti content of zircon depends on and as well as T. New and published experimental data confirm the predicted increase in the Zr content of rutile with decreasing and unequivocally demonstrate that the Ti content of zircon increases with decreasing . The substitution of Ti in zircon therefore is primarily for Si. Assuming a constant effect of P, unit and that and are proportional to ppm Zr in rutile and ppm Ti in zircon, [log(ppm Zr-in-rutile) + log] = A₁ + B₁/T(K) and [log(ppm Ti-in-zircon) + log − log] = A₂ + B₂/T, where the A and B are constants. The constants were derived from published and new data from experiments with buffered by either quartz or zircon + zirconia, from experiments with defined by the Zr content of rutile, and from well-characterized natural samples. Results are A₁ = 7.420 ± 0.105; B₁ = −4,530 ± 111; A₂ = 5.711 ± 0.072; B₂ = −4,800 ± 86 with activity referenced to α-quartz and rutile at P and T of interest. The zircon thermometer may now be applied to rocks without quartz and/or rutile, and the rutile thermometer applied to rocks without quartz, provided that and are estimated. Maximum uncertainties introduced to zircon and rutile thermometry by unconstrained and can be quantitatively assessed and are ≈60 to 70°C at 750°C. A preliminary assessment of the dependence of the two thermometers on P predicts that an uncertainty of ±1 GPa introduces an additional uncertainty at 750°C of ≈50°C for the Ti-in-zircon thermometer and of ≈70 to 80°C for the Zr-in-rutile thermometer.     

Geochronology and geochemistry of Early Devonian intrusions in the Qimantagh area,Northwest China: evidence for post-collisional slab break-off

The Qimantagh area of Northwest China lies in the western part of the East Kunlun Orogenic Belt and is characterized by extensive magmatism, particularly in the Triassic. However, recent research has shown that Devonian magmatism was also widespread in this area and has a genetic relationship with mineralization. This article presents a detailed study of three types of Early Devonian intrusions: high-K calc-alkaline granites, A-type granites, and mafic intrusions, all from the Qimantagh region. These rocks were subjected to precise zircon U–Pb dating, major and trace element analyses, and Sr–Nd isotope measurements, focusing on the Lalingzaohuo (eastern Qimantagh) and Yemaquan (central Qimantagh) monzogranites, as well as the coeval Tanbeixuefeng (western Qimantagh) mafic dike swarm. To better understand the Early Devonian igneous activity in the Eastern Kunlun, data for other coeval granitoids were compared with our data. The Yemaquan monzogranite yielded a mean zircon U–Pb age of 400.5 ± 1.4 Ma. These rocks are metaluminous to slightly peraluminous, with Al₂O₃ contents of 13.10–14.16 wt.%, high alkali contents (total K₂O + Na₂O) of 6.89–7.68 wt.%, relatively low Sr contents (79–192 ppm), and high (La/Yb)_N ratios, all of which indicate an I-type granite affinity. The Lalingzaohuo monzogranites yielded mean zircon U–Pb ages of 396.2–402.2 Ma. These rocks have higher SiO₂ and alkali contents than the Yemaquan monzogranite, with high 10,000 Ga/Al ratios, high Zr + Nb + Ce + Y contents, high Fe₂O₃^T/MgO ratios, and high Y contents, indicating an A-type granite affinity. These two monzogranites have initial ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr ratios of 0.703–0.706 and εNd(t) values of –0.1 to –0.7. The Sr–Nd isotopic data require a significant input of a mantle component in the petrogenesis of these granites. The Tanbeixuefeng diabase dikes formed at ~396 Ma and have a continental tholeiitic affinity, as evident from small Ti–Nb–Ta anomalies and high contents of light rare earth and large-ion lithophile elements. We propose that post-collisional slab break-off was responsible for the generation of these Early Devonian intrusions in the Qimantagh area.     

Ages,Sources and Tectonic Settings of the Triassic Igneous Rocks in the Easternmost Segment of the East Kunlun Orogen,Central China

U–Pb analysis of zircons from igneous rocks in the Elashan Mountain, easternmost segment of the East Kunlun Orogen yielded 252–232 Ma. Geochemically, these rocks are mainly high in SiO_2, K_2O and K_2O+Na_2O contents, low in P_2O_5 and TiO_2 contents, depleted in Ba, Sr, P, Ti and enriched in U, Hf, Zr, showing features of I–type granite. The zircon εHf(t) values of the Early Triassic Jiamuge'er rhyolite porphyry(252±3 Ma) are positive(+1.6 to +12.1), suggesting a juvenile crustal source mixing with little old crustal component, and the zircon εHf(t) values of the Middle Triassic Manzhang'gang granodiorite(244±3 Ma) and Dehailong diorite(237±3 Ma) are predominately negative(-8.4 to +1.0), indicating an older crustal source. In comparison, the zircon εHf(t) values of the Late Triassic syenogranites from Suigen'ergang(234±2Ma), Ge'ermugang(233±2 Ma) and Yue'ergen(232±3 Ma) plutons vary from-3.8 to +5.0, suggesting a crust-mantle mixing source. From Early–Middle Triassic(252–237 Ma) to Late Triassic(234–232 Ma), the geochemical characteristics of these rocks show the change from a subduction–collision setting to a post-collision or within-plate setting. By comparing of these new age data with 77 zircon U–Pb ages of igneous rocks of the eastern part of East Kunlun orogen from published literatures, we conclude that the igneous rocks of Elashan Mountain and these of the eastern part of East Kunlun Orogen belong to one magmatic belt. All these data indicate that the Triassic magmatic events of the eastern part of East Kunlun Orogen can be divided into three stages: 252–238 Ma, 238–226 Ma and 226–212 Ma. Statistically, the average εHf(t) values of the threestage igneous rocks show a tendency, from the old to young, from-0.75±0.25 to lower-2.65±0.52 and then to-1.22±0.25, respectively, which reveal the change of their sources. These characteristics can be explained as a crust-mantle mixing source generated in a subductional stage, mainly crust source in a syn–collisional stage and a crust-mantle mixing source(lower crust with mantle-derived underplating magma) in a post-collisional stage. The identification of these three magmatic events in the Elashan Mountain, including all the eastern part of East Kunlun Orogen, provides new evidence for better understanding of the tectonic evolution of the northward subduction and closure of the Paleo-Tethyan(252–238 Ma), the collision of the Songpan–Ganzi block with the southern margin of Qaidam block(238–226 Ma), and the post–collisional setting(226–212 Ma) during the Early Mesozoic period.     

Mafic dykes derived from Early Cretaceous depleted mantle beneath the Dabie orogenic belt: implications for changing lithosphere mantle beneath Eastern China

SHRIMP zircon U–Pb geochronological, elemental and Sr–Nd isotopic data from Early Cretaceous mafic dykes in North Dabie orogenic belt elucidate a change of Mesozoic lithospheric mantle in eastern China. The dykes are predominantly dolerite with the major mineral assemblage clinopyroxene + hornblende + plagioclase and yield a SHRIMP zircon U–Pb age of 111.6 ± 5.3 Ma. They have a narrow range of SiO₂ from 46.16% to 49.78%, and relative low concentrations of K₂O (1.07−2.62%), Na₂O (2.45−3.54%), Al₂O₃ (13.04−14.07%), and P₂O₅ (0.42−0.55%) but relatively high concentration of MgO (5.94–6.61%) with Mg^# 52–54. All the samples are characterized by enrichment of large ion lithophile elements (LILE, e.g., Ba, Th) and high field strength elements (HFSE, e.g., Nb, Ti). (⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr)_i ratios from 0.704 to 0.705, ε_Nd values from 3.36 to 4.33 and mantle‐depletion Nd model ages (T_2DM) in the range 0.56–0.64 Ga indicate that the magma of the Baiyashan mafic dykes was derived from a young depleted mantle source. This finding is different from previous research on mafic dykes in the age range 120–138 Ma that revealed enrichment of LILE and depletion of HFSE, high initial Sr isotopic ratios and negative ε_Nd, value which represents an old enriched mantle source. Ours is the first report of the existence of Early Cretaceous depleted mantle in eastern China and it implies that changing of enriched mantle to depleted mantle occurred at ca. 112 Ma, associated with back‐arc extension which resulted from the subduction of the Palaeo‐Pacific Plate towards the Asian Continent. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Divergent T–ƒO<Subscript>2</Subscript> paths during crystallisation of H<Subscript>2</Subscript>O-rich and H<Subscript>2</Subscript>O-poor magmas as recorded by Ce and U in zircon,with implications for TitaniQ and TitaniZ geothermometry

During solidification of magma chambers as systems closed to chemical exchange with environs, the residual siliceous melt may follow a trend of rising, constant, or decreasing oxidation state, relative to reference buffers such as nickel?+?nickel oxide (NNO) or fayalite?+?magnetite?+?quartz. Titanomagnetite–hemoilmenite thermometry and oxybarometry on quenched volcanic suites yield temperature versus oxygen fugacity arrays of varied positive and negative slopes, the validity of which has been disputed for several years. We resolve the controversy by introducing a new recorder of magmatic redox evolution employing temperature- and redox-sensitive trace-element abundances in zircon. The zircon/melt partition coefficients of cerium and uranium vary oppositely in response to variation of magma redox state, but vary in tandem as temperature varies. Plots of U/Pr versus Ce⁴⁺/Ce³⁺ in zircon provide a robust test for change in oxidation state of the melt during zircon crystallisation from cooling magma, and the plots discriminate thermally induced from redox-induced variation of Ce⁴⁺/Ce³⁺ in zircon. Temperature-dependent lattice strain causes Ce⁴⁺/Ce³⁺ in zircon to increase strongly as zircon crystallises from cooling magma at constant Ce⁴⁺/Ce³⁺ ratio in the melt. We examine 19 zircon populations from igneous complexes in varied tectonic settings. Variation of zircon Ce⁴⁺/Ce³⁺ due to minor variation in melt oxidation state during crystallisation is resolvable in 11 cases but very subordinate to temperature dependence. In many zircon populations described in published literature, there is no resolvable change in redox state of the melt during tenfold variation of Ce⁴⁺/Ce³⁺ in zircons. Varied magmatic redox trends indicated by different slopes on plots of zircon U/Pr versus Ce⁴⁺/Ce³⁺ are corroborated by Fe–Ti-oxide-based T–?O₂ trends of correspondingly varied slopes. Zircon and Fe–Ti-oxide compositions agree that exceptionally, H₂O-rich arc magmas tend to follow a trend of rising oxidation state of the melt during late stages of fluid-saturated magmatic differentiation at upper-crustal pressures. We suggest that H₂ and/or SO₃ and/or Fe²⁺ loss from the melt to segregating fluid is largely responsible. Conversely, zircon and Fe–Ti-oxide compositions agree in indicating that H₂O-poor magmas tend to follow a T–?O₂ trend of decreasing oxidation state of the melt during late stages of magmatic differentiation at upper-crustal pressures, because the precipitating mineral assemblage has higher Fe³⁺/Fe²⁺ than coexisting rhyolitic melt. We present new evidence showing that the Fe–Ti-oxide oxybarometer calibration by Ghiorso and Evans (Am J Sci 308(9):957–1039, 2008) retrieves experimentally imposed values of ?O₂ in laboratory syntheses of Fe–Ti-oxide pairs to a precision of ±?0.2 log unit, over a large experimental temperature range, without systematic bias up to at least log ?O₂?≈?NNO?+?4.4. Their titanomagnetite–hemoilmenite geothermometer calibration has large systematic errors in application to Ti-poor oxides that precipitate from very oxidised magmas. A key outcome is validation of Fe–Ti-oxide-based values of melt TiO₂ activity for use in Ti-in-zircon thermometry and Ti-in-quartz thermobarometry.     

Zircon reaction and stability of the U-Pb isotope system during interaction with carbonate fluid: experimental hydrothermal study

 The interpretation of metamorphically induced U-Pb isotopic discordance requires a thorough understanding of zircon-fluid interactions. With this aim we have studied the behaviour of metamict and crystalline zircon phases and their U-Pb systems by cathodoluminescence after treatment by 2M Na₂CO₃ solution at T = 200–800 °C and P = 1–5 kbar for 3–14 days, X-ray diffraction, microprobe and isotope dilution analysis. The data indicate that zircon transformation under hydrothermal conditions depends on the experimental conditions and the degree of structural damage. Reconstitution of defective and impurity-enriched zones of metamict zircon (homogenization of impure element concentrations and increase of crystallinity) was observed at 400 °C and P = 1 kbar. Considerable lead and uranium loss occurred under these conditions. As a result of zircon dissolution, newly formed baddeleyite accommodating U from 2M Na₂CO₃ solution and Zr-Na-silicate were recognized. This process intensified with increasing pressure. Study of crystalline zircon indicates that migration of U and Pb took place only during dissolution of zircon at T above 650 °C. In the presence of carbonate-ions essential U and Pb amounts are lost from metamict zircon at a lower P-T than is typical for greenschist facies metamorphism. Received: 4 October 1997 / Accepted: 6 December 1999     

川西松林口岩体锆石U-Pb定年及其地球化学特征

松林口岩体位于松潘—甘孜造山带中东部,为确定岩体的侵位时代和地球化学特征,通过镜下薄片观察、主微量元素分析以及锆石U-Pb测年,对松林口岩体进行了研究。结果表明,松林口岩体由二长花岗岩体和花岗闪长岩体组成,花岗闪长岩锆石²⁰⁶Pb/²³⁸U年龄加权平均值为（212.4±0.9） Ma （MSWD=0.66）,二长花岗岩锆石²⁰⁶Pb/²³⁸U年龄加权平均值为（222.4±1.1） Ma （MSWD=0.39）,形成于晚三叠世,由两期次岩浆作用形成;岩石的SiO₂含量56.56%~61.97%;铝饱和指数A/CNK=0.93~1.05,全碱含量3.78~5.38,K₂O/Na₂O=1.02~1.68,里特曼指数σ=1.194~1.612,样品属于准铝质中—高钾钙碱性岩系列。岩石轻重稀土比值LREE/HREE=5.22~7.13,La_N/Yb_N比值为6.93~8.96,轻、重稀土分异较明显,具较强的负Eu异常。岩石Mg^#值较高（50.97~61.27）,w（Rb）/w（Sr）为0.12~0.25,Rb-（Y+Nb）图解显示为后碰撞环境。因此,松林口二长花岗岩—花岗闪长岩属后碰撞准铝质中—高钾钙碱性I型花岗岩类。     

Early‐Cretaceous Syenites and Granites in the Northeastern Tengchong Block,SW China: Petrogenesis and Tectonic Implications

Whole-rock major and trace element and Sr-Nd isotopic data, together with zircon LA ICPMS in-situ U-Pb and Hf isotopic data of the syenites and granites in the Tengchong Block are reported in order to understand their petrogenesis and tectonic implications. Zircon U-Pb data gives the emplacement ages of ca. 115.3±0.9 Ma for syenites and 115.7±0.8 Ma for granites, respectively. The syenites are characterized by low SiO_2 content(62.01–63.03 wt%) and notably high Na_2O content(7.04–7.24 wt%) and Na_2O/K_2O ratios(2.02–2.10), low MgO, Fe_2O_3 T and TiO_2, enrichment of LILEs(large-ion lithophile element) such as Rb, Th, U, K, and Pb) and obvious depletion HFSE(high field strength element; e.g. Nb, Ta, P, and Ti) with clearly negative Eu anomalies(d Eu=0.53–0.56). They also display significant negative whole-rock εNd(t) values of-6.8 and zircon εHf(t) values(-9.11 to-0.27, but one is +5.30) and high initial ~(87) Sr/~(86) Sr=0.713013. Based on the data obtained in this study, we suggest that the ca. 115.3 Ma syenites were possibly derived from a sodium-rich continental crustal source, and the fractionation of some ferro-magnesian mineral and plagioclase might occur during the evolution of magma. The granites have high SiO_2 content(71.35–74.47 wt%), metaluminous to peraluminous, low Rb/Ba, Rb/Sr, and Al_2O_3/(MgO+FeOT+TiO_2) ratios and moderate(Al_2O_3+MgO+FeOT+TiO_2) content. They show low initial ~(87) Sr/~(86) Sr(0.703408 to 0.704241) and εNd(t) values(-3.8 to-3.5), plotted into the evolutionary trend between basalts and lower crust. Hence, we suggest that the granites were derived from the melting of mixing sources in the ancient continental crust involving some metabasaltic materials and predominated metasedimentary greywackes. Together with data in the literatures, we infer that the Early Cretaceous magmatism in the Tengchong block was dominated by magmas generated by the partial melting of ancient crustal material, which represent the products that associated to the closure of Bangong-Nujiang Meso-Tethys.     

Carboniferous Highly Fractionated I‐type Granites from the Kalamaili Fault Zone,Eastern Xinjiang,NW China: Petrogenesis and Tectonic Implications

Carboniferous magmatism is one of the most important tectonothermal events in the Central Asian Orogenic Belt(CAOB). However, the final closure time of the Kalamaili Ocean between East Junggar and Harlik Mountain is still debated. Early Carboniferous(332 Ma) and late Carboniferous(307–298 Ma) granitic magmatism from Kalamaili fault zone have been recognized by LA-ICP-MS zircon U-Pb dating. They are both metaluminous highly fractionated I-type and belong to the high-K calc-alkaline. The granitoids for early Carboniferous have zircon ε_(Hf)(t) values of-5.1 to +8.5 with Hf model ages(T_(DM2)) of 1.78–0.83 Ga, suggesting a mixed magma source of juvenile material with old continental crust. Furthermore, those for late Carboniferous have much younger heterogeneous zircon ε_(Hf)(t) values(+5.1 to +13.6) with Hf model ages(T_(DM2)=1.03–0.45 Ga) that are also indicative of juvenile components with a small involvement of old continental crust. Based on whole-rock geochemical and zircon isotopic features, these high-K granitoids were derived from melting of heterogeneous crustal sources or through mixing of old continental crust with juvenile components and minor AFC(assimilation and fractional crystallization). The juvenile components probably originated from underplated basaltic magmas in response to asthenospheric upwelling. These Carboniferous highly fractionated granites in the Kalamaili fault zone were probably emplaced in a post-collisional extensional setting and suggested vertical continental crustal growth in the southern CAOB, which is the same or like most granitoids in CAOB. This study provides new evidence for determining the post-accretionary evolution of the southern CAOB. In combination with data from other granitoids in these two terranes, the Early Carboniferous Heiguniangshan pluton represents the initial record of post-collisional environment, suggesting that the final collision between the East Junggar and Harlik Mountain might have occurred before 332 Ma.     

Zircon ages and Hf isotopic compositions of Permian and Triassic A-type granites from central Inner Mongolia and their significance for late Palaeozoic and early Mesozoic evolution of the Central Asian Orogenic Belt

ABSTRACT

This work presents zircon ages and Hf-in-zircon isotopic data for Permian and Triassic A-type granitoids and reviews the evolution of central Inner Mongolia, China, during the early Permian and Late Triassic. SHRIMP U–Pb dating of zircons of peralkaline granites yielded ²⁰⁶Pb/²³⁸U ages of 294 ± 4 Ma and 293 ± 9 Ma that reflect the time of Permian magmatism. Zircon ages were also obtained for Late Triassic granites (226 ± 4 Ma, 224 ± 4 Ma). Our results, in combination with published zircon ages and geochemical data, document distinct magmatic episodes in central Inner Mongolia.

The Permian peralkaline granites show typical geochemical features of A-type granites, which also have highly positive zircon ε_Hf(t) values (+4.9 – +17.1), indicating a significant contribution of an isotopically depleted source, likely formed from mantle-derived magmas. Late Triassic A-type granitoids, however, in central Inner Mongolia show large variations and mostly positive in zircon ε_Hf(t) values (?1.3 – +13.5), suggesting derivation from a mixture of crust and mantle or metasomatized lithospheric mantle with crustal contamination. The geochemical characteristics of the Permian peralkaline granites and Late Triassic A-type granitoids are consistent with a post-collisional setting and were likely related to asthenosphere upwelling during the evolution of the Northern Block and Central Asian Orogenic Belt (CAOB).     

P–T evolution and episodic zircon growth in barroisite eclogites of the Lanterman Range,northern Victoria Land,Antarctica

Prograde P–T–t paths of eclogites are often ambiguous owing to high variance of mineral assemblages, large uncertainty in isotopic age determinations and/or variable degree of retrograde equilibration. We investigated these issues using the barroisite eclogites from the Lanterman Range, northern Victoria Land, Antarctica, which are relatively uncommon but free of retrogression. These eclogites revealed three stages of prograde metamorphism, defining two distinctive P–T trajectories, M_1–2 and M₃. Inclusion minerals in garnet porphyroblasts suggest that initial prograde assemblages (M₁) consist of garnet+omphacite+barroisite/Mg‐pargasite+epidote+phengite+paragonite+rutile/titanite+quartz, and subsequent M₂ assemblages of garnet+omphacite+barroisite+phengite+rutile±quartz. The inclusion‐rich inner part of garnet porphyroblasts preserves a bell‐shaped Mn profile of the M₁, whereas the inclusion‐poor outer part (M₂) is typified by the outward decrease in Ca/Mg and X_Fe (=Fe²⁺/(Fe²⁺+Mg)) values. A pseudosection modelling employing fractionated bulk‐rock composition suggests that the eclogites have initially evolved from ~15 to 20 kbar and 520–570°C (M₁) to ~22–25 kbar and 630–650°C (M₂). The latter is in accordance with P–T conditions estimated from two independent geothermobarometers: the garnet–clinopyroxene–phengite (~25 ± 3 kbar and 660 ± 100°C) and Zr‐in‐rutile (~650–700°C at 22–27 kbar). The second segment (M_3A–B) of prograde P–T path is recorded in the grossular‐rich overgrowth rim of garnet. Apart from disequilibrium growth of the M_3A garnet, ubiquitous overgrowth of the M_3B garnet permits us to estimate the P–T conditions at ~26 ± 3 kbar and 720 ± 80°C. The cathodoluminescence (CL) imaging of zircon grains separated from a barroisite eclogite revealed three distinct zones with bright rim, dark mantle and moderately dark core. Eclogitic phases such as garnet, omphacite, epidote and rutile are present as fine‐grained inclusions in the mantle and rim of zircon, in contrast to their absence in the core. The sensitive high‐resolution ion microprobe U–Pb dating on metamorphic mantle domains and neoblasts yielded a weighted mean ²⁰⁶Pb/²³⁸U age of 515 ± 4 Ma (tσ), representing the time of the M₂ stage. On the other hand, overgrowth rims as well as bright‐CL neoblasts of zircon were dated at 498 ± 11 Ma (tσ), corresponding to the M₃. Average burial rates estimated from the M₂ and M₃ ages are too low (<2 mm/year) for cold subduction regime (~5–10°C/km), suggesting that an exhumation stage intervened between two prograde segments of P–T path. Thus, the P–T–t evolution of barroisite eclogites is typified by two discrete episodes with an c. 15 Ma gap during the middle Cambrian subduction of the Antarctic Ross Orogeny.